Ophthalmic mounting



March 4, 1941. E. M. SPLAINE 2,234,027

OPHTHALMIC MOUNTING Filed Aug. 22, 1939 HVVEN TOR. EDWARD M. SPLAINE A TT RNEY.

Patented Mar. 4, 1941 UNlTE s'raas 2,234,027 orrrT-nALMIo MOUNTING Edward M. Splaine, Southbridge, Mass, assignor to American Optical Company, Southbridge, Mass, a voluntary association of Massachusetts Application August 22, 1939, Serial No. 291,399

12 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in ophthalmic mountings and has particular reference to improved means of connecting and supporting the lens holding means of said mountings.

This application is a continuation in part of my application Serial No. 118,790, filed January 2, 1937.

One of the principal objects of the invention is to provide improved means of rigidly and durably connecting the lens holding means of an ophthalmic mounting whereby the said connecting means will be light in weight, and inexpensive and so constructed as to provide strut-like supports for resisting pressure both in the direction of the vertical plane of the lens holding means and in a direction substantially normal to said plane and yet be desirable from an aesthetical viewpoint.

Another object is to provide improved means of forming reinforced connecting means, which may be formed of inexpensive bar stock of base metal having a precious metal coating thereon without destroying said precious metal coating or in any way exposing the base metal in the fing ished assembled mounting.

Another object is to provide improved means of forming a bridge member for an ophthalmic mounting in combination with means for preventing the separable parts of the mounting from twisting and loosening during the use of the mounting. I

Another object is to provide novel means of assembling and uniting the parts of an ophthalmic mounting including the bridge member, the means for preventing twisting of the split lens rim connecting means and nose pad supports, whereby the parts will be rigidly held in assembled relation with each other during the use of the mounting.

Another object is to provide an ophthalmic mounting which will be relatively light in weight but which will withstand rough usage.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing and it will be apparent that many changes and modifications, in the arrangement of parts and details of construction shown and described may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims. I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the exact details of construction and arrangements shown and described, as the preferred forms only have been shown by way of illustration.

Referring to the drawing:

Fig. I is an enlarged perspective View of the parts of the ophthalmic mounting embodying the invention;

Fig. II is a front elevation of a complete spectacle embodying the features shown in Fig. I;

Fig. III is a plan view of Fig. I;

Fig. IV is a sectional view taken on line IV--IV of Fig. II and looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

Fig. V is a sectional view taken on line V-V of Fig, II showing the parts slightly enlarged.

Fig. VI is a fragmentary side elevation of a temple connection.

The present invention relates to the provision of an ophthalmic mounting which will be light in weight and yet possess sufficient rigidity to properly support the lenses of the mounting before the eyes of the wearer.

Much difiiculty has been encountered in the past when attempts were made to reduce the weight of the mounting, in having the parts rendered so fragile and pliable as to bend easily and become distorted during use. This difiiculty proved very serious in instances where the corrective lenses had a prism or cylinder incorporated therein for the correction of astigmatism or muscular defects, as the axes of such lenses must be held in accurate prescribed position before the eyes in order to correct such errors. If moved from said positions, lenses of this character have a tendency to increase rather than decrease such errors. It, therefore, is quite obvious that means must be provided whereby such lenses will be maintained in-prescribed position before the eyes.

The present invention, therefore, is directed more particularly to the provision of improved means and method of providing an ophthalmic mounting which will be light in weight so as not to be uncomfortable when Worn and which will be sufficiently rigid and durable to support the lenses in the proper prescribed. position before the eyes. The means and method for accomplishing this result have been carefully proportioned and assembled so as to blend with each other and produce a pleasing aesthetical effect while at the same time accomplishing all of the objects and advantages of the invention.

The means for preventing twisting and working of the split lens rim connecting members is carefully located so as to be substantially invisible and inconspicuous when the mounting is viewed from the front and cooperates with the bridge member in properly supporting the lenses before the eyes. 7

Referring more particularly to the drawing wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the device embodying the invention comprises a transversely extending bar-like member i preferably formed of filled or plated stock having portions 2 slightly deflected upwardly and I 7 surface of the lens rims 4 in the plane of said terminated in attaching ends 3 preferably formed and secured to the peripheral surface of the lens holding means or lens rims 4 by hard solder or other suitable means so that the base metal of the bar-like member will not be exposed.

The transversely extending bar-like memberI has its greatest dimension or width lying substantially in a horizontal plane. Beneath the transversely extending bar-like member I is a brace bar 5 of similar nature secured beneath said member I throughout the length of the engaging surfaces as indicated at 6 by solder or other suitable means and is provided with depending portions 1, which curve rearwardly and forwardly and which are attached at 8 to the rear of each of one of the lugs 9 or ID used to In this II used in securing the lugs 9 and I0 together with a suitable assembling tool, which lugs, in this particular instance, are provided with aligned openings with the opening in the lower lug threaded to receive the threaded portion of the screws II.

In the finished bridge member the portions I and 5 lie one above the other. Due to the fact that they are integrally connected throughout the engaging surfaces 6, and that the upper member I is connected at 3 to the peripheral rims and that the depending portions 1 of the brace bar 5 are connected .at 8 to the rear of the plane of the lens rims, strut-like means are provided for reinforcing and bracing the bridge member against movement up or down or sidewise relative t0 the lens holding means or lens rims during use.

The lugs 9 and ID, as well as the lens rims 4,

are separated as indicated at I2 and are held 7 in aligned relation with each other by the screw members I I.

To prevent side twisting of one section of the lens rim or lug relative to the other, atubular member I3 is'secured to the rear of the lugs 9 and III. This tubular member is separated at I4 insubstantial alignment with the line of separation I2 of the lugs and 1 lens rirns forming two aligned sections I5 and I 6. The sections I5 and I6 are held in aligned relation with each other by a pin member I1 preferably secured internally of one of said sections I5 or I6 by solder or other suitable means. The pin member is so formed that it will be 1 free to slide internally of the other section when the connecting screw II is tightened to secure the lugs 9 and I0 together.

The tubular members I3 are preferably secured beneath the forwardly extending part of each depending portion 1 sothat the end I8 of the tubular portion I5 is sealed thereby. Due I to the fact that the portion I5 is secured throughout its contacting area with the lug 9 and throughout its end I 8 with the depending portion 1 a more rigid connection is obtained at the attached end 8 of said portion I. The lower end of the portion I6 is sealed by the nose pad supporting arm III which in each instance is secured throughout its contacting area with the end 20 of the portion I5 and is also secured at its end 2| to the rear of the lug ID. This provides a rigid and positive connection for the nose pad supporting arms I9. The arms I9 have the usual nose bearing pads or nose guards 22 attached thereto as indicated at 23.

In Fig. II is shown a complete spectacle embodying the bridge member. In this view the complete lens rims 4 are shown and contain the lenses 24. At the outer edgesof said lens rims 4 are the endpieces 25 to which are pivotally attached the temples 25 for holding the spectacles in place on the face of the wearer.

The lenses 24 are retained in the rims through the provision of beveled contour edges fitting within the V-shaped bevel 21 of the rims 4.

The endpiece 25 is of a skeleton type comprising two branches 28 and 29, the branch 28 has an upper end 30 secured to the rim so as to blend therewith. The lower branch 29 has a portion 3| extending downwardly and shaped substantially to and secured to the rim as by solder, welding or the like. 7

The branches 28 and 29 extend rearwardly in spaced relation with each other and have a temple hinge block 32 secured therebetween by soldering, welding or the like.

Thehinge block 32 has a perforated end 33 to which the end 34 of the temple 25 is pivotally attached as by a pin, screw or the like 35.

The perforated end 33 of the hinge block 32 provides a tongue to which the temple is pivotally attached and is adapted to be located between spaced ears 35 formed on the temple.

The upper and lower edges 31 and 38 respectively of the branches 28 and 29 are adapted to assume a flush relation with the upper and lower edges 39 and 40 of the temple when the parts are assembled.

The method of assembling and uniting the parts is substantially as follows:

The lugs 9 and III in their original state are in integral relation with each other and are secured to the lens rims 4 adjacent the nasal sides thereof as indicated in Figs. I and II and are? shaped so as to taper towards the lens rims adjacent their lower ends so as to produce a blend.- ing effect with said rims. The lugs while in integral relation are then drilled to form an opening to receive the connecting screw II. The depending portions I of the brace bar 5, tubular members I3 and nose pad or guard supporting arms I9 are preferably assembled with each other and united by spot welding. The ends of the depending portions I, tubular members I 3 and ends of the nose pad or guard supporting arms I9 are then secured to the rear of the integral lugs 9 and II] by solder or other suitable means. The tubular members l3 and integral lugs 9 and I0 together with the lens rims are then separated as indicated by the lines I4 and I2 respec tively. v The diameter of the opening in the lug 9 is then slightly increased to permit the easy insertion of the screw member II.-. The internal bore of the lug I0 is then threaded.

A pin member I I so formed as to have a proper sliding fit with the bore of the tubular portion- I5 is inserted in the tubular portion IB and is preferably secured therein by solder or other suitable means. The ends of the depending portions I and nose pad or guard supporting arms I9 together with the tubular portions I5 and I6 are all concealed from view when the mounting is viewed from the front.

Although it is stated that the depending portions 1, tubular members I3 and nose pad or guard supporting arms I9 are preferably secured to the rear of the lugs 9 and I0, they may if desired, be secured to the rear of the lens rims or to both, that is, with portions thereof engaging both the lugs and the lens rims when in secured relation thereto. The ends 3 are then secured to the lens rims as previously described.

When the parts are in assembled relation with each other the divided ends of the lens rims are prevented, by the pin member I! and tubular portion l5, from twisting sidewise on the connecting screw l I and the various parts are rigidly and permanently held together. After the various parts are united, detailed adjustments are made to position them in proper aligned relation with each other.

Due to the fact that the points of attachment 3, 8 and I8 respectively, are in different planes and are in spaced relation with each other, the parts are braced against movement upon or down or sidewise during use.

The ends of the tubular portions l5 and 16 are sealed by the respective attached portions of the part 1 and the nose pad supporting arm l9 so that no dirt, dust, etc. can collect therein. Another advantage of this construction is that all of the parts including the tubular member i3, lugs 9 and I0, portions 1 and 19, are covered with precious metal and by sealing the ends of the tubular member l3, as described above, no base metal is exposed and subject to corrosion.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that simple, efiicient and economical means of obtaining all of the objects and advantages of the invention is provided, particularly that of providing a light weight mounting and a more rigid and durable bridge connection for supporting the lens holding means of the mounting and which is pleasing and desirable from the aesthetical standpoint.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of lens holding members having divided portions, a connecting lug united with each of said divided portions for joining the meeting ends thereof, a bridge memberunited adjacent its ends with one of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, a nose pad supporting arm united with each of the other connecting lugs, hollow members on each of said connecting lugs intermediate the portion of the bridge united with one of said lugs and the nose pad supporting arm united with the other of said lugs, a pin member soldered in one of said hollow members and having a portion extending into the other of said hollow members and means for securing the connecting lugs together with the parts in fitted relation with each other.

2. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of lens holding members having divided portions, a connecting lug united with each of said divided portions for joining the meeting ends thereof, a bridge member united adjacent its ends with one of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, a nose pad supporting arm united with each of the other connecting lugs, hollow members united with each of said connecting lugs intermediate the portion of the bridge which is united with one of said lugs and the nose pad supporting arm which is united with the other of said lugs, a pin member soldered in one of said hollow members and having a portion extending into the other of said hollow members and means forsecuring the connecting lugs together with the parts in fitted relation with each other, said means having a portion extending through one of said lugs and encased within the other of said lugs.

3. An ophthalmic mounting comprising apair of divided lens holding members connecting lugs united with the members. adjacent the divided ends of said members, a bridge member having portions united with one of said lugs on each of said lens holding members, a brace united with said bridge member and having brace portions united adjacent its ends with each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united with the-other of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, hollow members supported in aligned relation with each other intermediate the united portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, means for holding said hollow members in aligned relation with each other and means for securing the connecting lugs. together.

4. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of divided lens holding members, connecting lugs on said members adjacent the divided ends thereof a bridge member having portions united with one of said lugs on each of said lens holding members, a brace bar united with said bridge member and having brace portions united adjacent its ends with each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united with the other of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, hollow members supported in aligned relation with each other intermediate the united portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, means for holding said hollow members in aligned relation with each other and means for securing the connecting lugs together, said attaching portions of the bridge member and nose pad supporting arms being united with and no sealing the ends of said hollow members.

5. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of lens holding members having divided portions with meeting ends, connecting lugs adjacent each of said meeting ends, one of said lugs having a 45 hollow bore and the other of said lugs having a threaded bore, a bridge member having portions united at their ends adjacent one of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united adjacent the other of said connecting lugs, a tubular member united intermediate each of said attaching portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, said tubular members being divided adjacent the divided portions of the lens holding 1 means and the connecting lugs, means on one portion of said tubular members having a part adapted to extend into the other portion of said tubular members and screw means having a threaded portion extending through the bore of one of said lugs and threadedly connected in the threaded bore of the other of said connecting lugs to hold the parts in assembled relation with each other, said divided portions of the tubular member being united with the rear of said connecting lugs, with the united portions of the bridge member adjacent the ends thereof and nose pad supporting arms sealing the ends of said tubular portions.

6. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair one of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, a nose pad supporting arm united with each of the other connecting lugs, hollow members on each of said connecting lugs intermediate the portion of the bridge united with one of said lugs and the nose pad supporting arm united with the other of said lugs, a pin member soldered in one of 'said hollow members and havinga portion extending into the other of said hollowmembers and means for securing the connecting lugs together with the parts in fitted relation with each other.

'7. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of lens holding members having divided portions, a lens in each of said lens holding members, a connecting lug united with each of said divided portions for joining the meeting ends thereof, a bridge member united adjacent its end with one of said connecting-lugs on each of said lens holding members, a nose pad supporting arm united with each of the other connecting lugs,- hollow members united with each of said connecting lugs intermediate the portion of the bridge which is united with one of said lugs and the nose pad supporting arm which is united with theother of said lugs, a pin member soldered in one of said hollow members and having a portion extending into the other of said hollow members and means for securing the connecting lugs together with theparts in fitted relation with each other, said said members, a bridge member having portions united with one of said lugs on each of said lens holding members, a brace united with said bridge member and having brace portions united adjacent its ends with each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united with the other of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, hollow members supported in aligned relation with each other intermediate the united portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, means for holding said hollow members in aligned relation with each other and means for securing the connecting lugs together.

9. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of divided lens holding members, lenses in said lens holding members, connecting lugs on said members adjacent the divided ends thereof, a

bridge member, having portions united with one of said lugs on each of said lens holding members, a brace bar united with said bridge member and having brace portions united adjacent its ends with each of said lens holding members, nose pad supportingarms united with the other of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, hollow members supported in aligned relation with each other intermediate the united portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, means for holding said hollow members in aligned relation with each other and means for securing the connecting lugs together, said attaching portions of the bridge member and nose pad supporting arms being united with and sealing the ends of said hollow members.

I 10. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of lens holding members having divided portions with meeting ends, lenses in said lens'holding members, connecting lugs adjacent each of said meeting ends, one of said lugs having a hollow bore and the other of said lugs having a threaded bore, a bridge member having portions united at their ends adjacent one of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united adjamember united intermediate each of said attaching portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, said tubular members be ing divided adjacent the divided portions of the lens holding means and the connecting lugs, means on one portion of said tubular members having a part adapted to extend into the other portion of said tubular members and screw means having a threaded portion extending through the bore of one of said lugs and threadedly connected in the threaded bore of the other of said connecting lugs to hold the parts in assembled relation with each'other, said divided portions of the tubular member being united with the rear of said connecting lugs, with the united portions of the bridge member adjacent the ends thereof and nose pad supporting arms sealing the ends of said tubular portions.

11. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of divided lens holding members, lenses in said lens holding members, connecting lugs united with the members adjacent the divided ends of said members, a bridge member having portions united with one of said lugs on each of said lens holding members, a brace united with said bridge member and having brace portions united adjacent its ends with each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united with the other of said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, hollow members supported in aligned relation with each other intermediate the united portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, means for holding said hollow members in aligned relation with each other, means for securing the connecting lugs together and temple supporting members comprising a temple hinge connetion and spaced branches joining the temple hinge connection with the lens rim.

12. An ophthalmic mounting comprising a pair of divided lens holding members, lenses in said lens holding members, connecting lugs united with the members adjacent the divided ends of said members, a bridge member having portions united with one of said'lugs on each of said lens holding members, a brace united with said bridge member and having brace portions united adjacent its ends with each of said lens holding members, nose pad supporting arms united with the other by said connecting lugs on each of said lens holding members, hollow members supported in aligned relation with each other intermediate the united portions of the bridge member and the nose pad supporting arms, means for holding said hollow members in aligned relation with each other, means for securing the connecting lugs together with temple hinge connections adjacent the temporal sides of the lens rims.

EDWARD M. SPLAINE.

cent the other of said connecting lugs, a tubular or I.) 

